Book Description
Throughout their stormy history the Teutonic Knights of Germany have always been the most controversial brotherhood ever to call themselves 'Knights of Christ'.They were the most warlike of the religious orders, and this is reflected in the architecture they left behind. In contrast to the Templars who are remembered for their churches, the Teutonic memorials are the magnificent brick-built castles they built as a result of their conquest of Prussia between 1230 and 1380. Many of these dramatic fortresses still exist today in what is now Poland and provide a unique example of an architectural style that closely reflects the nature of the Order.
Customer Reviews:
Good, but..........2005-03-17
I have just reviewed three Osprey books, and found one excellent, one terrible, and this one, which actually is very good but very annoying too. Stephen Turnbull knows his stuff and does writes well, which you expect from an Osprey veteran like him, so this is interesting information on an unusual subject, as far as it goes, I wish I had it when I was visiting Poland where it would have been invaluable. But this book is only half the length is seems. The captions on the pictures and the artwork are simply pasted from the text word for word. The chapters often repeat each other. For a short book this is really frustrating. I think Osprey has become a victim of its own format. Here they cannot talk about the history of the castles as that would be the Campaign series; they cannot talk about the knights themselves as that would be their Warrior series. Instead they just repeat themselves and put in a lot of filler. What a shame, as more maps would have been nice, or larger plans of the castles, or if they could have just made the pictures larger I would have been happy. But the repetition mars a good book; I recommend this book, as there's nothing else like it, but you will grit your teeth often enough.
Good Overview.......2004-04-29
After the Crusades, a new order of Military Knights started in Germany. Created by a group of German Merchants for the care of countrymen who had been at the siege of Acre and had suffered, they started with makeshift hospitals for their care.
From this arose the Teutonic Order. Never having seen battle in the Holy Land, their Crusade was against the pagans in Prussia. Their weapon... red-brick castles.
This book outlines the Teutonic Order, its origins, and the campaigns they waged in the areas of Prussia and Poland
These castles remain today as a memorial to the Order and the battles they fought and the lands they claimed. The book outlines the building of these fortresses, their designs and layouts, how they were used, and how the Teutonic Knights operated their campaigns.
The material is easy to follow, very descriptive in the campaigns and military strategies and historical details. This, accompanied by color and black and white photos of the castles, the surrounding areas, contemporary art depicting the Knights, and wonderfully detailed maps make this a book easy to understand and a good reference guide for the Order and the time period covered.
The author provides insights into the areas discussed, in everyday life as well as military references. This gives you a good grasp on the culture and background. He also provides key dates, important names and places.
There is a list in the back of the book of the important Prussian castles that have survived to the present day and their locations. There is a bibliography and a glossary of terms, important to help you understand some of the German titles and words. And there is an index for quick reference.
Worth noting are the detailed illustrations of castle layouts, battle scene illustrations and some wonderful photography of the actual castles, some intact, others of the remains. Overall, this makes for a fine book to familiarize yourself with the topic or to use as reference to include this in your studies of the time, the castles, or the Teutonic Order. A very good overview of the topic. medievalcrusadesbabe
The history of Teutonic castles in modern-day Poland.......2004-04-12
"Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights (1): The Red-brick Castles of Prussia 1230-1466" by Stephen Turnbull and illustrated by Peter Dennis concisely describes various aspects of Teutonic castles that are located in modern-day Poland. The history and transformation of the Teutonic castles from wooden forts to red-brick castles is described. Furthermore, the history of the rise and fall of the Teutonic Knights is covered.
Maps with the location of the Teutonic castles, color and black-and-white photographs of various Teutonic castles, several color illustrations, and a couple of floor plans make a vivid picture of the topic. The color illustrations are fantastic and breathtaking, filling one with awe at the splendor these castles possessed.
First published in 2003, this 64 page book serves as an excellent overview of the history of the Teutonic Knights' castles that are located in modern Poland. The book does discuss some of the Teutonic castles outside of the borders of Poland, however that is not its emphasis. The castles outside of Poland are to be reviewed in part 2 of the book.
Average customer rating:
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The Middle Ages: A Concise Encyclopaedia
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0500251037 |
Book Description
This is an introductory survey to the philosophy of science suitable for beginners and nonspecialists. Its point of departure is the question: why should we believe what science tells us about the world? In this attempt to justify the claims of science the book treats such topics as observation data, confirmation of theories, and the explanation of phenomena. The writing is clear and concrete with detailed examples drawn from contemporary science: solar neutrinos, the gravitational bending of light, and the creation/evolution debate, for example. What emerges is a view of science in which observation relies on theory to give it meaning and credibility, while theory relies on observation for its motivation and validation. It is shown that this reciprocal support is not circular since the theory used to support a particular observation is independent of the theory for which the observation serves as evidence.
Customer Reviews:
keep reading.......2006-11-02
This book was not only informative but a pleasurable read. There is a lot of information presented but it is done in a clear way that is easy to follow. There were some questions that I had and some concepts that I didn't fully understand but by the end my questions were answered and I had a good understanding of the material. There are a lot of very good examples, both that have to do with science and also ordinary every day events, that correlate nicely to the points Kosso is trying to make. There were witty or sarcastic or just plain funny comments made in this book that made me laugh, and that makes the book five stars in my opinion. If you are able to entertain me while presenting a lot of concrete knowledge on a topic then that's definitely a plus in my book (no pun intended!). The metaphor Kosso uses as describing nature as a book is entirely appropriate (if you interpret it correctly) and provides a good back bone to the topics. There is a glossary and a list of suggested readings at the end of the book which was a nice touch. Overall, great book!
Great book........2004-03-10
I've read about four introductions to the Philosopy of Science and this one is by far the best. (I was a philosophy student many years ago, but am new to the philosophy of science.) The writing style is succinct, lucid, and easy to read . Kosso manages to introduce the subject clearly, without dumbing it down. I very much appreciated his approach focusing on the real philsophic issues of science and not on the typical self-referential philsophical blather about realism, pragmatism, postivism, and relativism which usually seems like just so much talk about how many angels fit on a pin head. I find the title a little bit dumb (it is from a metaphor Kosso uses in the book). I would not have bought had not I read a postive reference to it. Great book.
Product Description
Barnes and Noble Edition with introduction by Selman Halabi.
Evidence as to Man's Place in Nature (1863) has been considered the most important of Thomas H. Huxley's Darwinian writings. Despite warnings from friends that publishing an argument in support of evolution could ruin his career, it in fact did the opposite. This book did much to facilitate the general acceptance of Darwinism in Huxley's day. Huxley demonstrates that humans are a part of the natural order of things and not radically separate from other animals. Anyone interested in the history of the Darwinian revolution or in early anthropology can benefit by reading this book.
Book Description
Zacharias invites readers to follow him on this journey through his life and into the lives of others, and see how he has become more convinced with each year that Jesus Christ is the one who came to give us life to the fullest and to point us to the freedom and beauty of truth for everyone--easterner or westerner--all over the world.
Customer Reviews:
A Life of Exceptional Experiences Dosed w/ Humility.......2007-09-20
When this book first came out, I wasn't as interested as I was reading RZ's other more apologetic books. This was more of a biography, very anecdotal, but the more I read it, I saw how so many of what he's seen and experienced were just microcosms of so many worldviews. He himself was a huge cynic, but after his regenerative experience at the hospital, he was led to really explore who God was and His message through Jesus, as well as test the seemingly competitive other world views. And he quotes it accurately, saying the more he learned about other world views, the more beautiful Jesus became to him.
Sometimes his biography was comparable to Forrest Gump, with fortunate exceptional destiny, with the exception that Ravi had immense intellectual potential. But he has really humbly been appointedly woven into the lives of many other prominent theological giants, having also crossed paths with world leaders. It's just amazing to realize all he's been through, but only because of the grace of God...continually guiding His path, and using him, from great revivals to personal intimate testimonies.
And amidst all the glorious stories are his heartfelt intimate thoughts of his family and his closest friends, some who died of age, and some who died spreading the gospel. I'm not ashamed to say how much this book has moved me...it is probably one of the most personal books for me...
this book is definitely rich w/ great lessons, great experience, and great proof that God is really there in the shadows, slowly revealing and affirming His will in our lives at the duly appointed time.
it IS an exceptional life, a great book i sadly put down, wishing there was more to read.
Great!!!.......2007-07-05
Ravi Zacharias truly is a man sent by God to bridge the gaps between East and West. As I read his fantastic story, I was amazed at how much of his story encouraged me in my own Christian walk. He went from being a teen who didn't like to read to being one of the most read apologist in the world.
As I continued to read his story, I was amazed at how much he does and how much of his family life was sacrificed by preaching God's word. The Lord gave him an understanding wife and beautiful children who understand his calling.
When he mentioned how over the years, he had lost his sense of humor because of the serious of apologetics, I felt sad for him. Preaching the Gospel is serious business and it is just that important but I believe God has blessed him richly.
The personal accounts of his friends who have paid for their beliefs with their lives were so inspiring and made me extremely reflective on my own Christian walk? Would I be willing to face all kinds of danger for Christ? I hope I never have to find out.
The book especially gives the reader a view of Eastern mentality and life. It was so vibrant and full of some many images and sounds. For the Western Christian, it is very important to understand the Easter mindset if we are to evangelize to our Eastern brothers.
I wish I could just shake Mr. Zacharias hand and just sit in his presence for an hour. I thank God for him and hope that he continues the good work.
Interesting life. To God be the glory........2007-06-19
Oh! That more Indians would come to salvation and evanglize their country!
This book should have been a biography instead of an auto-biography because you can almost sense the reluctance for Ravi to reveal the full extent of the way God has used him. On a more negative note, if Indian Christians keep moving away from India, who is going to evanglize the country?
An Eye-Opening Pleasure of a Read.......2007-05-02
This enormously vivid and readable book will capture your interest within the first few pages and keep it until the last. Mr. Zacharias has lived life fully, from his humble beginnings on a busy Indian street in his native land to the most prestigious professional and academic arenas all over the world--and met Christ on the way. In fact, that life-changing meeting is the core of what made him successful and motivated, and does so to this day. His is a wonderful story, especially the insights and anecdotes he gives us about India and its people, and of course how God came from "the shadows" to forever change his life. Ever think that God doesn't care about you? That he's not involved in your life? Read this book and listen closely--he may be speaking to you right here!
How Refreshing.......2007-03-08
Zacharias' book will either be life-changing or life-affirming for the reader lucky enough to stumble across this amazing account of a life that saw so much pain and joy. To go along on his journey, watching him go from his desperate youth and into his successful and meaningful adult life is incredible. As someone who has been immersed in a Christian lifestyle her entire life, I find it remarkable that someone can come from such beginnings and end up the man that Ravi Zacharias has become. It really makes me think about how much of the Western experience I take for granted. Ravi is not only passionate about his faith, but he provides an intellectual basis for it as well, something that is often missing in evangelism today. The blend of Eastern and Western cultures presented in this book are extremely significant and helpful. This has caused me to take a new approach to different cultures and unbelievers. He is a living example of walking in someone else's shoes. I could say countless things to praise his life's work, but it seems to me that Zacharias would want any glory to be given to God. After reading this, that is how I want the things I do to be remembered...for the glory of God. I cannot wait to read more from this talented evangelist!
Average customer rating:
- Brilliant!
- Soild Effort
- Good, basic info on the rise of Nazism and WWII Germany
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Dictionary of the Third Reich, The Penguin (Dictionary, Penguin)
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0140513892 |
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant!.......2005-10-11
I reccomend this book to anyone interested in the (...) Germany. The topic makes up the bulk of my A Level course and this has been a great help!
Soild Effort.......2002-04-19
This is a solid bit of historical reference. The book is well laid out and easy to use. It is not the "complete" guild but it does cover about 95% of what the general reader would be looking for. The items that are not in there would probably only be looked up by the real hard core World War 2 fan. I would have preferred a few more pictures and maps. Overall this book gives you what you need in an easy to use format.
Good, basic info on the rise of Nazism and WWII Germany.......2001-03-26
A good addition to any collection of references on Nazism and WWII. This compact book contains not only a chronology of the years from 1933-45 but an alphabetized dictionary containing all the major names, events, military operations(including codenames and areas), etc. If you're at a loss for the name of a person or event from this time, this book could come to your aid. Also makes for quick reading when you have a moment or two, reminding you of information you might have forgotten. Recommended.
Book Description
This new and thoroughly revised edition of Nicaragua details the country's unique history, culture, social reality, economics, foreign relations, and politics. Its historical coverage considers Nicaragua from before independence as well as during the nationalist liberal era, the US marine occupation, the Somoza dictatorship, the Sandinista regime, and the conservative restoration following 1990. The Fourth Edition documents how the more enduring reality of this Central American country may not be the Sandinista Revolution but the historical and ongoing interventions by which the United States - the "eagle" to the north - continues to shape Nicaraguan political, economic, and social life. The new edition also includes a fully updated annotated bibliography. Praise for the third edition:
Customer Reviews:
Accessible, well written overview of Nicaragua's history and failed attempts to free itself from U.S. imperialism .......2006-08-01
The leader of the U.S. trained and equipped National Guard Anastasio Somoza Garcia seized power in Nicaragua in 1936. He was an S.O.B., but he was our S.O.B. as Franklin Roosevelt immortally said privately in 1939 when Somoza visited him in Washington D.C. Somoza wanted the National Guard officers and enlisted men to enrich themselves in mafia-style rackets such as prostitution, according to Walker, so they would be dependent on him for their self-enrichment and would thus constitute a force immune from popular discontent. Somoza Garcia's son Luis succeeded him after his assassination in 1956. Luis set up a lot of bureaucracies supposedly devoted to social services and economic planning, but these were in reality mainly used as a vehicle to funnel U.S. aid money to the Somoza family and its cronies. Walker cites the particularly blatant case of how the government used U.S. aid money after an earthquake in December 1972 completely destroyed Managua.
Anastasio Somoza Debayle Jr. took over as president from his brother in 1967. Anastasio Jr. reinstated a "state of siege" and sent the National Guard into the Countryside, where the (FSLN) Sandinistas were involved in stimulating peasant activism, after a December 1974 successful hostage taking operation by the Sandinistas. The Guard proceeded to rape and kill and pillage thousands. Many American Catholic clerical and lay workers witnessed these actions and the U.S. congress was moved to hold hearings.
In 1977, President Carter suspended military aid to Somoza in order to force him to relax somewhat his censorship of the press, thinking that the U.S. could afford for Somoza to do so without the status quo in Nicaragua being disrupted. However, in early 1978, after increasing massacres of civilians in the tens of thousands by the National Guard Carter resumed economic and military aid to Somoza. The uprising had begun in early 1978 after the assassination of newspaper editor Pedro Joaquin Chamarro. The Carter administration, in conjunction with the Organization of American States, eventually tried to enforce its policy of "Somocismo sin Somoza"....
Walker describes how the Carter administration refused to send arms to the Sandinistas and looked the other way as the military oligarchy in Honduras allowed remnants of the National Guard, helped by trainers from the Argentine neonazi military regime, to organize the force which would become the Contras. ....
The Reaganites refused to sell arms to the Sandinistas, cut off all aid, and successfully pressured the French to end an arms deal with the Sandinistas in 1981. Increasingly, the Sandinistas were forced to rely on Soviet block arms. Walker notes that the rifles, AK-47's and tanks that the Nicaraguans received from the Soviet block were small in number and often old and decrepit. Clearly the Sandinistas were seeking military aid from the Soviet Block because the Reaganites had launched a full scale proxy terrorist war against them. The Contras deliberately attacked civilian infrastructure and murdered teachers, doctors and engineers. The attacks on oil storage and port facilities by the Contras in 1983 and 84' caused Venezuela and Mexico to suspend oil shipments--Nicaragua was then forced to turn to the Soviet block for its petroleum needs. The FSLN managed to maintain fairly extensive economic and political relations with Western Europe and capitalist countries in the third world but the U.S. media preferred to ignore this.
In the early 80's, Walker notes the Sandinistas achieved some remarkable successes. Nicaragua's infant mortality rate was reduced from 121 per 1000 in 1978 to 90 per 1000 in 1983. The Kissinger Commission report of 1984 blamed the Sandinistas because it said that Nicaragua's GDP was reduced by 38 percent from 1977 to 1983. This was deceptive, Walker notes, because that statistic had in it the last two and a half years of the rule of Somoza when the country was largely destroyed. In the years 1980-83, Walker notes, the Nicaraguan economy actually grew by an average of 7 percent, while the rest of Central America's economies declined by 14 percent.
In spite of some mild repression (not comparable to U.S. backed terror in Guatemala and El Salvador) in response to the country being under U.S. backed terrorist attack, reactionary newspapers like La Prensa were allowed to violently attack the government and receive funding from the CIA. The CIA instigated protests by the Nicaraguan opposition which attempted to provoke the Sandinistas into repressive actions, Walker quotes House Speaker Jim Wright revealing in January 1988. Meanwhile, in U.S. client states Guatemala and El Salvador newspaper offices were being blown up by the military backed death squads, and newspaper editors were left disemboweled by the side of the road. In 1984, the Sandinistas had an election which was judged free and fair by a wide variety observer delegations, including from the British parliament and House of Lords, Danish and Irish Parliaments, etc. Disruption of opposition rallies by Sandinista "turbas" only occurred about 5 times out of 250 instances according to election analysts. Walker quotes a statistic to the effect that 46 of the 48 top Contra officers had been officers in Somoza's National Guard--I think he got this from Edgar Chamarro, the former Contra spokesman.
The U.S. escalated its economic strangulation and terror attacks on Nicaragua and the latter was eventually forced to devote the majority of its budget to defense. In 1990, the Sandinistas held an election, as the 1987 constitution had mandated them to do and the Nicaraguan electorate, under the threat of continued U.S. funding of Contra terrorists if the Sandinistas won, voted in the UNO. The U.S. had achieved its goal of restoring the old Somoza era social order within Nicaragua. Walker gives an extensive discussion of the post-1990 social order. Nicaragua ranked 61st on the UN Human Development Index in 1990; it ranked 116th by 2000.
Walker gives an instructive look at how the miserable rural proletariat of Nicaragua was created by the late 19th century.
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Guide to Alaska Seabirds
N. Stromsen , and
Nancy E. Stromsem
Manufacturer: Alaska Natural History Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Birds
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ASIN: 0960287647 |
Books:
- Lyprinol: A natural solution for arthritis and other inflammatory disorders
- Making Make-Believe: Fun Props, Costumes, and Creative Play Ideas
- "Mom, everyone else does!": Becoming Your Daughter's Ally in Responding to Peer Pressure to Drink, Smoke, and Use Drugs
- Monsters Under the Bed and Other Childhood Fears: Helping Your Child Overcome Anxieties, Fears, and Phobias
- Mother Opossum and Her Babies
- My Boyfriend's Back: True Stories Of Rediscovering Love With Long-Lost Sweethearts
- Natural Baby and Childcare: Practical Medical Advice and Holistic Wisdom for Raising Healthy Children
- Navel-Gazing: The Days and Nights of a Mother in the Making
- Nelly Custis Lewis's Housekeeping Book
- New Geographies of the American West: Land Use and the Changing Patterns of Place (Orton Family Foundation Innovation in Place Series)
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